Will he be the next Le Grande L'Orange ?
Last night I was waiting with baited breath ( as I am sure you were also) while the Mets waited patiently for their turn to make their selection( 13th pick over all) in the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft.
There was little surprise that Gerrit Cole was selected at number one by the Pirates. I admit that I was a bit elated when Taylor Jungmann was taken at number 12 by the Brewers.
But I have to admit, even though I heard the Mets were high on Brandon Nimmo, I didn’t think he would be their first overall pick. Honestly I was hoping the Mets would have used their top chip to draft Sonny Gray – the hard throwing flamethrower from Vanderbilt. I feel that he was more of a sure thing than Nimmo is ( a kid whose state doesn’t have a organized high school baseball team).
I admit that aside from the fact that he is already suffering from tendinitis of the knee, I like the kids upside. I just feel that this team needs pitching in the worst way, and that they would go with a prospect who could be projected to be on the fast track to Citi Field in the next two years or so.
But hey that’s why they pay Sandy Alderson and Paul Depodesta the big money I guess.
Am I upset ? How can I be, this kid has yet to play in one game for the Mets so I can’t pass judgement until he fails. Obviously I hope he succeeds – like we all should.
And with that said…. HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!!
Mets alumni celebrating birthdays today include :
Back up first baseman/outfielder from the ’96-’97 seasons, Roberto Petagine is 40 (1971).
Reserve outfielder from ’02-’04, Esix Snead. He is 35 (1976).
The New York Mets signed free agent shortstop, Bud Harrelson on June 7, 1963. Bud went on to have a long productive career with the Mets. He later on became a coach – them manager for the Mets. He is currently the part owner of the Long Island Ducks baseball team of the Independent League.
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Hank Webb in the 10th round of the free agent draft on June 7, 1968. He pitched for the Mets from ’72-’76- mostly as a reliever. He finished his Mets career with a record of 7-9 with a E.R.A of 4.42.
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Charlie Williams inthe seventh round of the free agent draft on June 7, 1968. Williams is best known as the player who the San Francisco Giants received in return for Willie Mays .
The New York Mets selected infielder, Tim Foli in the first round (first pick overall) of the the free agent draft on June 7, 1968. He was the prime chip in the trade that sent him along with Ken Singleton and Mike Jorgenson tot he Montreal Expos for future Mets icon, Rusty Staub. He would briefly return tot he Mets in 1979, but would soon be dealt to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Frank Taveras.
The New York Mets selected outfielder, John Milner in 14th round of the free agent draft on June 7, 1968. Milner – when healthy- was a offensive force for the Mets. But unfortunately he was traded before he ever truly reached his potential.
The New York Mets selected outfielder, Mookie Wilson in the second round of the free agent draft on June 7, 1977. Mookie is one of the most beloved players in Mets history. He is currently their first base coach.
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Brent Gaff in sixth round of the free agent draft on June 7, 1977.
The New York Mets selected second baseman, Wally Backman in the first round (16th pick overall) of the free agent draft on June 7, 1977. Wally was a pivotal member of the Mets of the early to late ’80′s. He is currently the manager of their AA team in Binghamton N.Y.
The New York Mets traded minor league pitcher, Jesse Anderson to the Chicago White Sox for outfielder, Claudell Washington on June 7, 1980. Claudell would only play one season with the Mets before bolting to the Atlanta Braves via free agency that off season.
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Mickey Weston in the 12th round of the free agent draft on June 7, 1982.
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Randy Myers in the free agent draft on June 7, 1982. Talk about the one we let get away. Meyers was traded by the Mets to the Reds because he didn’t get along with then wunderkind – Gregg Jefferies. Before he was traded he was a good relief pitcher who was supposed to replace Jesse Orosco as the Mets closer. After he left he was one of the top relievers of the ’90′s. And as for Jefferies ? Well he wore out his welcome faster than you can say Jason Bay !
The New York Mets selected catcher, Barry Lyons in the 15th round of the free agent draft on June 7, 1982. He would become the back up catcher for the Mets of the late ’80′s.
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Roger McDowell in the third round of the free agent draft on June 7, 1982. He was a cutup , and he was quite possible the best relievers the Mets have ever had.
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Dwight Gooden in the first round (fifth pick overall) of the free agent draft on June 7, 1982. What can you say that has not already been said about the Doctor ? He is the second best pitcher behind Tom Seaver to come out of the Mets system. During his heyday with the Mets it was always electric when he took the mound – whether it was at She Stadium or at the oppositions ballpark.
The New York Mets selected outfielder, Nick Evans in the fifth round of the free agent draft on June 7, 2004. Evans is currently languishing on the Mets bench.
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Philip Humber in the first round (third pick overall) of the free agent draft on June 7, 2004. Humber was one of the top pitching prospects in the Mets farm system when he was traded to the Minnesota Twins for Johan Santana in ’07.
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Mike Pelfrey in the first round (ninth pick overall) of the free agent draft on June 7, 2005. Pelfrey has been nothing short of an enigma during his tenure here with the Mets. He has has both sustained sucess but he has also shown a penchant to meltdown at the most mundane times. If he is every able to tackle his demons he should be a good middle of the rotation pitcher – not as the number 1 that he was projected as.
The New York Mets selected Bobby Parnell in the ninth round of the free agent draft on June 7, 2005. Bobby has been hit or miss since being promoted to the big team in ’09. At times he has looked like he is the heir apparent to the Francisco Rodriguez, but lately he has reminded us more of Aaron Heilmann.
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Jon Niese in the seventh round of the free agent draft on June 7, 2005. Jon, alongside Dillon Gee, have proved to be the most reliable pitchers in this seasons starting rotation.
The New York Mets selected catcher, Josh Thole in the 13th round of the free agent draft on June 7, 2005. Josh has been pretty shaky as the Mets primary catcher this season, but it seems like he has settled down both at and behind the dish.
The New York Mets selected pitcher Eddie Kunz in the first round (42nd pick overall) of the free agent draft on June 7, 2007. Kunz was probably the best example of how bad Omar Minaya’s draft philosophy was. He was converted into a closer and pretty much stunk the joint up. He was traded this past off season to the San Diego Padres for one time top prospect Allan Dykstra.
Damn I was hoping the Mets would have drafted Mo Vaughn Jr.It is not common knowledge but Mo Vaughn Jr’s mother is none other than Shirley Hemphill of “Whats Happening ?” fame !!!
32 comments
stickguy
6/7/2011-7:30am at 7:30 am (UTC -4)
not just tendinitis, already had major surgery. Certainly adds to the risk, but yes, check back in about 3 years to see how he is doing.
another red head too. Must be trying to capture the Turner magic again!
and speaking of “you never know”, the Mets already have the guy (goeddel?) that was supposed to be the #1 at UCLA, ahead of Cole, this season if he didn’t come out as a junior. again, draft is a crapshoot.
hell, look at how many guys get drafted in say the 12th round, don’t sign, go to college, then 3 years later are a 1st round pick. Well, some of those guys do sign, develop in the minors, and become ML players instead.
rustyjr
6/7/2011-7:44am at 7:44 am (UTC -4)
No doubt – I’ve read the Mets had interest in him for a while yet I was really hoping for a top flight pitcher
ajgmets
6/7/2011-12:12pm at 12:12 pm (UTC -4)
As enticing as it may be to discuss, dissect and pore over the “possibilities” for the future of the Mets and their draft selections, the present issues of the team and its immediate future are far more pressing.
While MLB and the money grubbing whores who run this “sport” (i.e. TV, media) want us all to become frenetic regarding their amateur draft, quite simply it cannot and never will compare to the showcases put on by the NFL or even the garage leagues like the NHL and NBA.
The fact that collegiate or even high school (or in the case of the Mets American Legion) players have virtually ZERO impact on the clubs that select them in the draft with in the first 2 to 3 years compared to the multi millionaires who are drafted into the NFL and NBA makes this MLB production simply a self aggrandizing attempt to draw fans to an ever dwindling over priced “sport” and generate even more inane talk among media talking heads on sports radio and countless blogs.
I who am a rather active participant on Twitter spent most of last night ignoring the social media that was “bombarded” with an endless stream of somebody drafted this kid or that kid followed by the “analysis” by fools who have little to no insight into a player’s potential other than what they’ve read or heard from scouts and MLB propagandizing executives. Instead I enjoyed listening to radio broadcasts of both the Buffalo Bisons and Memphis Redbirds respective games on MILB.com in addition to watching the limited big league schedule on MLB.TV and Extra Innings. (I did offer up a few tweets about the insanity of the draft coverage).
The incessant coverage of the draft did help the Mets keep the wolves at bay regarding the continued nonsense regarding the team’s medical staff and their continued foibles in diagnosing and providing prognoses as to the status’ of injured stars David Wright (now not expected back before mid July based on an exam performed without the “need” for new x rays..Huh?) And Ike Davis. Additionally the early reported status of “he shouldn’t miss much more than a game” voiced by the manager in respect to Carlos Beltran was apparently “upgraded” to “he was really hurt, dizzy and nauseous” and asked out of Sunday night’s game after fouling a pitch off his shin and will now probably miss more than a day or two.
You could not possibly make this nonsense up…..
But Please stop the madness regarding MLB’s draft…
NOBODY knows..NO BOD EEEE!!!
(see Mike Piazza)
TRS86
6/7/2011-12:36pm at 12:36 pm (UTC -4)
AJ, I have already mentioned this. Please do not post your entire column in the comment section as a comment to that story. If you want us to run one of your stories just email us and we will be sure to send up a link.
kingman 26
6/7/2011-11:19pm at 11:19 pm (UTC -4)
I did not realize until now that this is what this guy was doing.
Really obnoxious, just like the guy in TV with the Reyes sign promoting his blog.
AJ should earn readers on his own; not hijack our threads with his columns.
Lame.
metsfan4decades
6/7/2011-12:41pm at 12:41 pm (UTC -4)
While you have a point ‘NOBODY knows’ regarding the ceiling of any of these picks, I enjoy the draft and these past few years, enjoy following some of the higher ceiling guys through the minor system.
It all adds to my knowledge as well when trade speculation heats up on which Mets prospects they might consider giving up in a trade.
Following Twitter (don’t have an account) or reading comment threads as the draft progresses is a bit over the top for me. I did hit the analysis blogs after our picks last night to see what they had to say.
saltygary
6/7/2011-7:51am at 7:51 am (UTC -4)
I’m not going to act like I am an expert on this so my only hang up is that it was not a pitcher for the first pick.
Not at all worried about the kids ACL surgery since it is becoming the norm for HS athletes.
I feel the positives are it seems like the team picked what they thought was the best player available and there was no concern about the financial cost. I think this is what we all wanted to see? So for that I am still pro Sandy and Co.
rustyjr
6/7/2011-7:53am at 7:53 am (UTC -4)
As am I – I just wanted Sonny Gray lol
metsfan4decades
6/7/2011-8:23am at 8:23 am (UTC -4)
No one can really judge this pick right now. I’ll just say that from what I read, it appears the Mets took this only draft pick in the first round seriously so here’s hoping this kid Nimmo works out.
I guess we’ll all check back in about 4 years, if he’s not used as part of a trade before that.
stickguy
6/7/2011-8:41am at 8:41 am (UTC -4)
yeah, hopefully in 4 years he is at least making some noise up in AA, possibly AAA. Say, about where Kirk N is right now?
just as likely, he signs late, does a little time in PSL working out, and starts his career in 2012 in ex ST. then hits a low rookie league. maybe if lucky Brooklyn? so 2013, low A ball. 2014 PSL (A+). could easily repeat there, maybe to AA in mid 2015?
so by 2017, in a normal progression, he could be trying to win a job in ST!
njstuckintx
6/7/2011-8:55am at 8:55 am (UTC -4)
And that, folks, is why the MLB draft does not make for good TV.
stickguy
6/7/2011-9:35am at 9:35 am (UTC -4)
high comedy though watching the “lighting” round with the celebrity name callers botching there cue cards.
I have been in fantasy drafts that were better run and more professional looking.
hazmet
6/7/2011-9:10pm at 9:10 pm (UTC -4)
That and Bud Selig has all the charisma of an Enema Bag.
njstuckintx
6/7/2011-9:44pm at 9:44 pm (UTC -4)
This town needs an enema!
njstuckintx
6/7/2011-8:51am at 8:51 am (UTC -4)
As long as they actually sign these kids, I’ll be happy.
stickguy
6/7/2011-9:38am at 9:38 am (UTC -4)
not really a gimme for either one, but it sounds like they are both immenently buyable (show me the money baby!)
let’s be real, 2 million guaranteed to not have to spend 3 years in Arkansas? sounds like a no brainer to me!
and frankly, the odds are that neither one of these guys is any kind of lock to be drafted significantly higher 3 years from now, and if the new CBA has any kind of hard slotting, it could cost them a lot of money.
kistics
6/7/2011-9:17am at 9:17 am (UTC -4)
I wonder what the Mets plan is for the future and when they expect to put together a solid team consisting of these young guys.
As for the pitching prospects (Familia, Mejia and Harvey), they should all be expected to compete for rotation spots at the latest 2013. Meanwhile the Mets should still have Pelf, Niese, Gee, Johan all under their control for 2013 season.
As for the hitting prospects, Nimmo and Flores are 18 and 19, so they are still 3-4 years away and by the time they get to the majors, hopefully Mejia, Harvey and Familia have all matured into a respectful major league pitchers.
stickguy
6/7/2011-9:40am at 9:40 am (UTC -4)
I don’t think they are looking at these guys in particular as anything.
rather, their plan is to get as much high ceiling talent as they can possibly cram into the system, then train/develop it right, and eventually have it bubble up into the majors (for the Mets and other teams via trades).
so it probably is not a concern that player X plays a certain position, or can be fast tracked (eddie kunz anyone?). Just that that have upside potential.
wannybackstra
6/7/2011-1:22pm at 1:22 pm (UTC -4)
eddie kunz was fast tracked right out of the system!
CitiFSHooligans
6/7/2011-9:32pm at 9:32 pm (UTC -4)
Hell Yeah I will find NIMMO any day of the weak, we are going to ride this wave of Ginger Boys as long as it works…Red ROCKET Turner has been great…I am looking forward to some of these new characters in our home somewhere down the road. Real Dirty Mets i look forward to checking your blog out and exploring..maybe you guys can join the real dirty Citi FIeld Shea Hooligans one of these day for a joint tailgate/game peace out…citifieldsheas.com
Prismo
6/7/2011-10:29pm at 10:29 pm (UTC -4)
Reyes: Clutch hit after clutch hit after clutch hit. Kingman needs to revise his stats.
metsfan4decades
6/7/2011-11:19pm at 11:19 pm (UTC -4)
LOL.
Yet the story will be how he didn’t slide into home.
(Although I’m not sure what he was thinking there.)
kingman 26
6/7/2011-11:21pm at 11:21 pm (UTC -4)
And of course he didn’t slide into home.
I love Jose when he plays like this, but he remains as tough as a soaking wet tissue.
The day Jose or Beltran slide hard into home or make contact on a DP into second…well, that day will never come.
metsfan4decades
6/7/2011-11:27pm at 11:27 pm (UTC -4)
You can’t say that about Jose though. How many times have we all cringed watching him slide head first into home plate?
I can only assume tonight he thought he was gonna make it with no slide.
He just said: ‘I’m better than that. I know better. In that close situation, I have to slide there’.
So it does sound like it was one of his ‘brain fart’ type of moments.
kingman 26
6/7/2011-11:29pm at 11:29 pm (UTC -4)
Sure I can say that about Jose–I just did!!
Hey, remember the play when Olivo came after him at the end of the season a few years back? And he cowered behind Alomar Sr who took the punch?
Come on. Jose’s a great talent and a fine human being.
Tough, he ain’t.
metsfan4decades
6/7/2011-11:36pm at 11:36 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t know if ‘not tough’ is the description I’d use.
Yeah, he probably isn’t your aggressive, tough guy, in-your-face type player like Frankie or Johan. But he’s played with injuries, he’s worked his butt off trying to get back from those injuries and if not for a death in the family, I’m willing to bet he’d still be the only Met who has played every game this year.
Probably what you see is what you’re gonna get with Reyes at this point. But here’s hoping he believes there is room for improvement with some of those split second decisions he makes that aren’t always smart.
kingman 26
6/7/2011-11:40pm at 11:40 pm (UTC -4)
Actually, I would disagree, in the sense that he actually has significantly improved at the plate this year.
He is swinging better than he ever has.
No pop ups, no swinging for the fences, very patient; not walking a lot, but striking out less than ever, and spraying line drives all over the field. Taking what the pitchers give him and just smacking the ball. He’s never hit like this his entire career. .395 with 10 triples in 29 games at home? He was MADE for Citi and viice versa.
He still is afraid of contact, and he still has an IQ maybe in the mid-80s, but as a hitter, he has significantly improved this year I have to say.
metsfan4decades
6/8/2011-7:48am at 7:48 am (UTC -4)
Oh, I agree with the improvement at the plate this year.
I meant with ‘good as it gets’ with Reyes is I think we might always see the occasional base running blunder or mental mistakes out there on the base paths. It’s almost like his desire to win sometimes overrides his common sense on the field.
TRS86
6/8/2011-7:50am at 7:50 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, I still don’t think the non-slide last night was to avoid contact. That makes no sense, there would have been no contact or very little. He just needed to hook slide, something he’s done what about 10000000000 times?
gategem
6/8/2011-12:09am at 12:09 am (UTC -4)
Well….he’s not playing football. He’s somewhat slight of build and he could easily put himself out for the season with grit and toughness. If it’s toughness you’re looking for then perhaps the Mets should draft someone out of the WWE.
kingman 26
6/7/2011-11:20pm at 11:20 pm (UTC -4)
I sure will, as Jose is revising his game with a few big hits in his first major contract year.
kingman 26
6/7/2011-11:22pm at 11:22 pm (UTC -4)
Oh, and they are not MY stats Prismo.
They are Jose’s.
In MY field, I am Mr. Clutch and always have been. I perform at all-star level every year; not just in contract years.